The Essence of Iridescense
8th Sep. '08 • Category: Fashion & Beauty • Tags: iridescent, jewelry
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
Remember those rainy Summer days when you would discover an oil slick rainbow?
It would stop me in my wet sneaker tracks. I would duck down and move side to side trying to see the full spectrum. It was momentarily mesmerizing. I imagined scooping it up and taking it home.
My fascination with iridescence hasn’t wavered since a girl. It has only grown into a bit of an obsession.
I adore butterfly wings, peacock feathers, pearls, antique glass and really just about anything with that glowing rainbow spectrum.
“A favorite find from a second hand shop, the opalescent glow caught my eye”
I am very lucky to have met and designed jewelry for a great artist, George Lois. www.georgelois.com . He has shaped our culture with his powerful ideas. The influential Esquire covers he created are in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art. If you live in NYC or are planning a visit, it is a must see!!
George and Rosie are perfect for my series about people and their jewelry collections. I am fascinated by individuals who create a style truly their own. People that seek out objects that “speak” to them or the ones they love.
My favorite pieces I have designed are for the Lois’ collection. George’s keen eye has found some amazing pieces of glass made by Louis Comfort Tiffany. These ‘gems’ were created as singular objects. They were either enjoyed on their own, used in larger stained glass pieces, set into lamps or used as tiles around fireplaces. Holding one for the first time was an ‘experience.’
Tiffany lamp with set glass ‘gems’
What is so unique about the glass is how Tiffany created them.
Louis traveled to London in 1865 where he went to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The extensive collection of Roman and Syrian glass made a huge impression upon the young artist. When he returned home he began attempting to replicate the antique glass. The desired effect, “The glass itself transmitting texture and rich color” was achieved. Unbelievable results came by mixing different colors while the glass was still hot. He patented this new glass in 1880 calling it ‘Favrile’, meaning hand made. The glass is unbelievable! The iridescence causes the surface to shimmer.
I get lost in the colors. I love turning the glass in my hand to see how the light reflects on the surface. Then my mind wanders back to 1880 and I imagine Louis holding them in awe, like me, at what he created.
Tiffany pendant
Up close of amazing flash and fire
Rosie
Pendant I designed using a Tiffany glass gem
George and Rosie
Opening at MoMA doing a “Vanna White”
In front of the greatest magazine covers EVER
September 8th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I’m lost in the psychedelic rainbow colors in nature and in the Tiffany glass. It was such a pleasure to meet George and his wife Rosie at the opeing of his exhibit. What a talent both you and he are.
I know Louis Comfort Tiffany would be proud and amazed at the beautiful jewelry you’ve created with his collaboration. BRAVO.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I too love iridescent shells, glass, pearls and oily puddles. How fun to see your beautiful necklace and the inspiration behind you love of the essence of iridescense.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I knew there were others like me out there, I just believed they were all 8 year old girly girls…So happy to see it continues to be an obsession for others past that age! Raku pottery, oily puddles, mother of pearl, irridescent anything….even though I have never been a girly girl…
September 15th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Hi Cheryl,
You don’t need to be a girly girl to love irridescent things!! Your in the club too. I love mother of pearl and your right - raku pottery has a gorgeous irridescance.
If you could see this glass in person you would flip!!